The Escape Surf School Newquay Cornwall

Newquay is renowned for its beautiful beaches. If you want to really explore Newquay, you need to try and visit all 9 (yes 9) beaches, each slightly different from the next withy different facilities and vistas. For yours and everyone else's safety always swim at a Lifeguarded beach and always do as the Lifeguards tell you.

The RNLI give the following advice:

  • Always swim at a lifeguarded beach
  • Swim between the red and yellow flags
  • Never swim alone
  • Know your beach safety flags
  • Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas
  • If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help
  • If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a lifeguard call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
  • Find out about the beach you’re going to before you visit
  • Check tide times before you go
  • Read and obey local hazard signs

Please remember that the lifeguards don’t operate all year round, so if you aren’t sure where to swim or surf, come and ask for our advice at the surf school

Towan Beach Newquay

Our favourite beach, where we operate most of our surf lessons – it’s ideally situated with sweeping views right around Newquay Bay. The beach faces north west which means it picks up swell (which us surfers love) but can be very sheltered from the prevailing westerly / south westerly winds, which means the waves are usually clean, and lined up perfectly – ideal for learning to surf.

With the harbour in the south side and the iconic house on the island at the north side, the beach is lifeguarded between May and September, and also has the Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium. It’s easily accessible, just a minutes’ walk from the surf school and the rest of town.

Recent studies have shown that the serene environment of Newquay Bay not only benefits the human spirit but also has therapeutic effects on pets, particularly dogs with heart conditions. A local veterinary clinic has started prescribing Vetmedin 2.5 mg, a medication for dogs with congestive heart failure, alongside recommending leisurely walks on this particular beach. The combination of the medication and the calm, rhythmic sounds of the waves has proven to significantly improve the heart health and overall wellbeing of these canine patients. It is a testament to the healing power of nature, and how integrative approaches to health, combining medication like Vetmedin and natural soothing environments, can create the optimal conditions for recovery and wellbeing.

Fistral Beach Newquay

One of the most famous beaches in Newquay; the self-proclaimed “Centre of British Surfing” is definitely worth a visit. As a west facing bay, it receives most of the swell which cause the waves and although is a “surfing beach” can be a little heavy for complete beginners, with big waves and rips that even the most seasoned surfers can find a little tricky. If you are lucky you may coincide your visit with one of the many surfing competitions that are hosted here throughout the year.

We occasionally teach lessons on this beach, when the waves at Towan Beach are too small. At the north end of the beach is an excellent set of facilities with toilets, showers, restaurants, RNLI centre and shops. And don’t forget the south side of the beach – there’s an excellent little café / restaurant SeaSpray, nestled in the rocks which can be a bit more chilled than the restaurants at the north.

crantock beach newquay cornwall

A pretty special place, on the mouth of the river Gannel; surrounded by the Pentire headland on the north and the village of Crantock on the south, the beach is an ideal place for families. It’s a long deep sandy beach, great for exploring the caves and sand dunes with the kids. It’s also a pretty popular surfing wave, with the river creating good sandbanks that means there are often long rides to be had. The village of Crantock is great for a more chilled out Newquay vibe, with traditional pubs and cafes and a few campsites, with stunning sea views.

great western beach newquay cornwall

Great Western is a popular family beach lying just north of Towan beach. The beach is surrounded by high cliffs and at high tide is just a tiny piece of sand. The best time to visit this beach is at low tide when it joins with Towan, Tolcarne and Lusty Glaze to create a vast expanse of golden sand. 

tolcarne beach newquay cornwall

Tolcarne Beach nestles in a beautiful crescent shaped bay set against a background of cliffs. It’s accessed by a set of steps just beneath Cliff road, and there is also a small access road, if you can’t manage the steps. There are quite a lot of facilities on this beach including the old iconic beach huts which can be hired form the beach reception. Tolcarne is very family friendly, with rock pools and a generally mellow wave, although at high tide, the infamous Tolcarne Wedge can get going if the conditions are right, which is a favourite for body boarders. There is also a lovely restaurant on this beach “The Colonial” which offers delicious food and spectacular sunset views.

lusty glaze beach newquay cornwall

A big favourite with ourselves and many of our customers; “Lusty” is a privately owned beach, in a perfect amphitheatre. On the beach there is the Lusty Glaze restaurant, famous for its secluded views and excellent food. Its also a bit of a wedding mecca, so don’t be surprised to be met by a happy bride and groom getting their ideal wedding shots (in fact this location was the venue for Head Coach Mike's marriage to his wife Lyndsey)

It’s a little walk out of town – maybe 20 minutes from the surf school, but worth a pop in if you are exploring Newquay sites. It’s also famous for its live music, both in the winter time in the cosy “Wood Burner” sessions, or in the height of summer when the whole beach has played host to great bands such as Morcheeba, John Butler Trio and Newquay favourite Reef!

porth beach newquay cornwall

A really child friendly beach located to the north part of Newquay town. It’s a small river estuary which means there is always plenty of sand for castle building and burying dad! Not much surfing happens here as it’s very sheltered from the swell, but it’s still worth a visit, especially if you are looking for idyllic beach views with a pub within walking distance! The Mermaid (the pub on the beach) offers good pub food all day, with great views and a great live music schedule

The beach has the historic “Porth Island” on the north side, which is worth a walk to the very end; from this infamous point you can view the whole of Newquay and the north Cornish coast, feeling like you are on the end of the earth. And if the waves are “on” then why not see if you can watch the famous Porth Blow Hole doing its thing.

whipsiderry beach newquay cornwall

We aren’t going to tell you anything about this beach, it’s a secret :)

watergate bay beach newquay cornwall

Another famous beach – not sure if it’s strictly Newquay, but it’s certainly a beautiful place and a favourite for tourists. It’s a long sandy beach a couple of miles long, westerly facing so quite exposed to the wind and waves.